Support For New Arena Deal Builds Outside Sacramento City Hall Council Chambers
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) - The Sacramento City Council is expected to vote on the downtown sports and entertainment center financing term sheet at Tuesday's meeting.
In a Monday press conference, Mayor Kevin Johnson said Tuesday's vote "has the potential to be a really historic day."
Some fans are positive the city council will approve the arena financing term sheet that includes a $258 million public subsidy.
"I'm pretty optimistic and I do believe in our city and I'm hoping for the best," fan Mariana Lerma said.
And for Johnson, it's go time.
"Once that vote occurs, we'll focus all our energy on April 3, which is preparing to go to New York and be a part of the NBA meeting," he said.
WATCH: Mayor Kevin Johnson Press Conference On Arena Deal
The mayor and his now-four whale investors, billionaire Ron Burkle, 24-Hour Fitness founder Mark Mastrov, Golden State Warriors minority owner Vivek Ranadive and Qualcomm CEO Paul Jacobs, all share the same vision.
"I believe that the Sacramento Kings are truly capable of being one of the global brands; and we can create a 21st century team and make Sacramento into a 21st century city," said Ranadive.
Fans couldn't agree more.
"K Street can use a big facelift, and maybe clean up that area. It would bring a lot of nice things to Sacramento," said Lerma.
"I hope it passes; hope that the Sacramentants (sic) support this team," fan Ramon Vasquez said.
Johnson calls the vote an "incredible opportunity to save the Sacramento Kings, create 4,000 jobs and generate up to $1 billion in private investment downtown."
"Tonight's vote is so much bigger than basketball," Johnson said in a statement. "It's also about enhancing arts and culture opportunities through a world-class entertainment and sports complex that will host over 100 concerts and family-oriented events per year."
There is a push by some to delay Tuesday's city council vote for another couple days, but the mayor said that would send the wrong message to the NBA.
The city council meeting begins at 6 p.m. at City Hall.
Steve Large will be reporting in New York for the April 3 meeting. Follow him on Twitter at @largesteven.